#chapter 04

[g3othermal3scapism]

live footage of acswy will n mike this chapter

@campbyler

[fushinusucariasblog]

Please return to me…

[gothicelfsstories]

Gods at War Chapter 04 Outfits

I don't own any of these pictures, so shout out to their original creator!

This is the outfit that Izuki is wearing in Chapter 4 of Gods at War. The chapter is named Bakugo's P.O.V. about these past few weeks.

Izuku is wearing this Hoodie, Mask, Shirt and Gloves.

These are the Cargo Pants that Izuku is wearing.

These are the Steel-Toe Boots that Izuku is wearing.

[big-bad-a-detective-story]

Chapter 04

Okay, so the Big Bad Wolf may have felt a LITTLE fear.

Nobody could blame me, you know. The idea of walking past cells, where others were ready to swipe or say offensive opinions as one passed… WELL. I may have been hardened, but I wasn’t heartless! Words hurt!

So did my face as I tripped over a leg stuck out from one of the prisoner’s cells. Now THAT was the last straw! Trepidation turned towards a temper tantrum -- as I instantly shot to my feet, paws up for defending my honor! 

“ALRIGHT, bub, you asked for it!” I punched the air, giving it a little of THIS and a little of THAT! “Which one of you rough reprobates decided to be a funny guy!”

It was then I noticed just who thought so: and, to be honest, I don’t know why I even bothered being surprised anymore. It was just the guy I came here looking for, standing close to the cell with that crocodile grin of his.

Which was weird, considering he was a wolf.

“Well well, if it isn’t Big Bad himself.” Larry Lemonade began, his eyes lighting up upon seeing he had my attention. “What brings you to my iron-clad neck of the woods? Missing me so soon? People will start to talk, you know~.”

He was right: it DID look bad to have wolves on opposing sides of the law speaking to one another. So it was after grabbing my fallen fedora off the floor, that I glared and got straight to the point.

“I’m on a new case, Larry, and I have a strong suspicion that you’re involved.” It took a bit of stretching, but I’d managed to get in the guy’s face. An old intimidation tactic. A little more difficult when the intimidate-ee happens to be taller than you and behind a set of bars, but I’d managed just fine.

Larry -- or, Bart -- had the audacity to snicker at me, stepping away from the bars to stand in the middle of his cell.

“You really think I was able to pull off a crime while locked away in this little box?” He spread his arms and did a little spin to gesture to the entire cell. The spin was decidedly unnecessary. “Aw, I’m flattered. I might even blush!”

Ohh, this guy really knew how to push my buttons! Not that I let it show. I kept my cool.

“I didn’t say you did the crime, I only said you must be involved!” Okay, fine, maybe slightly less than calm and collected, so sue me. “You had to! I’ve got photographic evidence!”

I held the photo of him and his supposed girlfriend up to the bars. 

Larry, humoring me, had looked so amused as he let his gaze fall onto the photo. That, however, didn’t last as it seemed his gratifying game came to a stop. His smile dropped, his eyes momentarily went wide, as he snatched the wallet from my mits.

“What, exactly, is the crime?” Larry asked, eyes never leaving the photo even as some mirth returned to his voice. “Did Aamilah get caught jaywalking, or something? She’s a peach, that beau of mine. It would be a shame for you to harass that poor family simply because you happen to be fond of me, you know.”

I didn’t know, and what’s more, the implications confused me. YET, I knew a thinly veiled threat when I heard one! My glare hardened, as I snatched the wallet back.

“I’m not the one you should be worried about, Larry. Ms. Maiez has gone missing. Nanny nabbed before the children’s very eyes!” I was huffing by this point, my patience at my limits. “And while there’s not much for clues at the crime scene, she has a connection to you. I don’t believe in coincidences, Larry Lemonade. SO, I’m going to ask you this ONCE: why would somebody want to snatch your sweetheart?”

Larry sighed, as if my questions were nothing more than an annoying inconvenience, and turned to lean his back against the cell bars. He didn’t seem too worried about his alleged paramour now, and I wasn’t surprised. A guy like Larry wasn’t interested in love ... only profit. He was no doubt using the poor woman for financial gain.

“Oh, to keep me quiet, I suppose.” How someone could offer such crucial information in such an offhand way baffled even me.

“Quiet? About what, exactly?” I prodded.

“Oh, this and that. Names, places, motives ...”

It was then I realized what Larry was hinting at. That snake!

“You’re planning on ratting out other goons in hopes of lessening your sentence, aren’t you!” In a way, I suppose this was noble ... but for all the wrong reasons. That sneaky snake was proving the old saying true: there really was no honor among thieves. 

“You could say that. But I’m afraid I won’t be much help with the who ... I get around, I hear a lot. My list of potential candidates is rather long.”

Well, it could have been worse. At least I knew what motive may have been behind this crime, which was more than I’d entered with. It looked as if this lead had run its course-- completely fizzled out. This was mildly disappointing, and apparently my expression gave this away. Larry turned back around to grin down at me.

“Aw, chin up, pal! You managed to find me easily! Perhaps your methods will serve you well a second time, hmm? I have lots of friends, you’d only need to find them.”

Of course! Someone at the Ugly Duckling might know more. Not that I dared try my luck with that Rumpelstiltskin fella again ... a guy can only sell his soul once, I hear.

“Maybe. Keep your nose clean, Lemond.” I turned and headed briskly to the exit. I paused at the double doors when I heard him calling out to me, his voice echoing down the corridor.

“Whatever you say, Norman. Oh! And detective?”

I humored him with a curt glance back. Larry was clutching the bars of his cell door, regarding me with an expression devoid of his usual tomfoolery.

“Be sure you bring her home.”

There was something in his eyes, in his tone, that almost made me doubt my earlier assumptions. Hints of something beyond a scam. Maybe there really was a speck of gold in that icy heart of his, after all.

“I’ll find her, Larry. You can bet on it.”

[percontaion-points]

The Chemist chapter 4

Click to see the rest of the snark & image descriptions

Chapter 4

Two mornings ago, she’d followed his exercise route as best she could from a safe distance. He held a strong, fast pace—obviously an experienced runner. As she watched, she found herself wishing that she had more time to run. She didn’t love running the way others seemed to—she always felt so exposed on the side of a road, no car to escape in—but it was important.

So you see about Julie infodumping about running? Yeah. Now imagine a 16 and a half page chapter of nothing but that.

Yes, these chapters are on the longer side. But holy fucking shit, literally not one single word of most of this is in any way relevant. 

“Hi, Daniel.” 

“Hi…” He raised his eyebrows. 

“Um, Alex.” Whoops, that was a few names back. Oh, well.

HOW ARE YOU THIS BAD AT YOUR JOB?! 

I’m convinced that Julie wasn’t so much burnt as she was going to be fired. 

He nodded, then pulled an old BlackBerry out of his pocket and fumbled with the buttons. 

Nothing quite like some awkwardly dated references. 

If he hadn’t been drugged, he would have heard the edge in her voice and seen the ice in her eyes.

Chapter 4 summary: The chapter opens up on the aforementioned tedious infodump that lasts for way longer than it should. Julie tells the readers about how Dr. B got her startled with really solid fake identities. One of them was burnt not too long after she herself was burnt. The other two are still good. She complains a lot about how much money that this gig is costing her, but she feels that it’ll be worth it if she can free herself from her terrible situation. 

And then she takes a left turn and starts talking about how she’d been in with a mafia leader for a while. He’d wanted her to set up permanently, but she’d ditched that identity and fled. She knows that they’re probably still looking for her, but she doesn’t care. 

Then, she does like… a day of surveillance on the target, Daniel. She figures that the guy has a solid routine down, and tries to determine when the best time to grab him would be. She eventually decides that it needs to be on the subway. So then we have a tedious scene where she’s riding the subway and fails to find him. It goes on for ages without actually going anywhere. 

Then finally, FINALLY, she finds Daniel. Because this is actually a romance novel wrapped in a spy thriller, he starts chatting her up. She accidentally introduces herself as Alex, and says that she’s a doctor. She jabs him real quick with what she calls “truth serum”, and he starts getting all woozy from it. 

She guides him out from the train, and makes him call the school secretary to say that he’s sick, and going to see a doctor. He then starts going on about his ex-wife, and how she loved money. And Julie is kind of like “WTF are you doing, girl? Stop flirting with him!” 

[pink-yuri]

♡ When the Villainess Seduces the Main Heroine ♡

[gavinreedcentral]

[jtl-fics]

I have been screaming and beating a pillow against the wall over tbd (not an exaggeration unfortunately) so I think that means I need more please

-ofsunshineandfoxes

11/20/24 WIP Wednesday (Closed) | TBD AU

Dion beams at the thanks, giggling before running off. Smith appeared at Andrew’s side and it takes a lot out of him not to instinctively lash out when he’s startled. Smith seems long used to people nearly punching him out as he offers a small smile, “Let's get you inside.”

Andrew finds himself folded into the Wilson/Gordon/Smith family household easily. He and Neil are fully off of any team related thing for the entire week.

They ate dinner with the family before they retired to Neil’s apartment. Crawling into Neil’s bed and going to sleep that first night without doing or saying much to one another, neither of them had really slept properly in the hospital or even since Neil had declined his confession.

[dia-souls]

Diabolik lovers Bloody Roses Novel [Chapter 04]

Chapter 04

The sound of dripping water, chains and the echo of the wind could be heard. It was dark everywhere and nothing could be seen. With a blindfold on her face and a cloth in her mouth, it was difficult for her to breathe. Thinking about why she is here and how everything happened so fast, she tried to control her tears.

Yui was lying on the cold floor with her hands tied with chains, trying to find the monk to breathe. No one can hear her voice. No one will come to save her. Because this is an inevitable punishment and no one can escape from it. Because this is the fate that she chose herself.

As she was lying on the ground and trying to breathe, she heard the sound of someone walking. The dungeon was dark and she could not see anything. That's why she didn't understand who was approaching her.

???: Young lady, don't try to run away. It was your choice, so don't resist so much.

Yui shuddered when she heard the young man's voice. Her fear grew more and more every moment, thinking about what would happen to her. She didn't know any of these nobles. She was captured in their prison because she wanted to save her father. This is the punishment she chose himself.

???: I will take the cloth out of your mouth on the condition that you promise not to cry or shout. Because no one will come to your rescue. Everyone saw with their own eyes that this was the fate that you chose yourself.

Yui nodded her head in emphasis. She had no other choice. The young man slowly approached Yui, opened her blindfold, and took out the cloth from her mouth. Now it was easier for her to breathe. Her vision was still dark and she couldn't see the man very well, but the weak and blurry look was enough for her to realize that the man was a servant.

The servant grabbed the chain that was locked to Yui's hands and pulled it to force Yui to stand up. Yui, who was scared, had no choice but to obey. She got up and went with the servant. Whenever Yui got tired and fell behind him, he pulled the chain tight to force Yui to keep pace with him.

The servant's steps were very fast and it was difficult for Yui, who had spent the whole night with her hands and feet tied and her body aching, to move with him.

The servant took Yui out of the dungeon. Yui looked around the dungeon. It was a scary place. Many people were in chains and with wounded bodies crying and begging for mercy. But the servants beat and whipped them mercilessly. Their thin bodies showed that many of them had not eaten for a long time.

Yui had heard before that the palace prison was the most terrifying place for sinners and criminals, but she never thought that the nobles would be so cruel and treat the peasants like animals. Thinking that she was going to be punished instead of her father, she was relieved that at least her father was freed from this suffering.

Servant: Don't try to complain about the current situation. It was your choice. You were so stupid that you accepted your father's sin and now you are being punished instead of him.

Yui: Can I ask... what is going to happen to me?

Servant: I will take you to the first prince and heir to the king's throne, Lord Shu-sama. He will decide for you.

Yui shuddered upon hearing the name of the king's heir. She had never heard good rumors from him. Yui is very afraid. She seems to have lost everything. Old Hina's cries begging the soldiers not to take Yui away could be heard in her ears, bringing tears to her bright eyes.

Yui: (Hina-san... I'm sorry... I'm really sorry... It's all because of my father. I can't let him be punished.)

*flashback*

Soldier: Someone entered the forbidden area and hunted illegally. Who is he? He must introduce himself, otherwise all the people of this village will be punished.

Villager 1: We have only one hunter in this village.

Villager 2: Where is Seiji? He has to explain his work to the soldiers.

Villager 3: Seiji has been missing for several days. Even his daughter does not know about it.

Soldier: If no one confesses, all of you will be punished.

*flashback ends*

Yui wiped her tears with her sleeve while her hands were tied. Now she just wishes that her father is well. But facing the prince and nobles is even more scary for her. For a girl who spent her whole life in the village library and read books, this incident is very scary.

After a short walk with the servant, Yui was in a large corridor. It was so long that at first it seemed to have no end.

Servant: Listen, peasant girl. You must be polite and respectful to the prince. Remember to be careful with your behavior and don't speak until he has given you permission. You have no right to beg for mercy and forgiveness for your sins.

Yui nodded her head in emphasis.

The closer they got to the prince's room, the more bitter it became. But there was a faint sound of music. It seemed to be the voice of a violin. It was very relaxing and beautiful. It made Yui forget her fear for a short while. The closer they got to the prince's room, the louder the violin sounded.

Finally they reached the prince's room and the servant stopped at the door and knocked calmly. Violin's voice stopped when he heard the sound of the door.

???: who are you?

Servant: Shu-sama, I have brought you the village criminal. The same criminal that your father ordered you to decide her fate.

???: Come in.

The servant opened the door slowly and entered the room. The prince's room was very big. Only this room was bigger than the whole hut where Yui and her father lived. Music books were in the library of the room, and there were violins and various instruments on the floor.

The young prince was standing in front of them with dignity and handsomeness while holding a violin in his hand and looking like he had been practicing. At first glance, he seemed very harsh and threatening, which made Yui's fear increase. But he was very beautiful. He had beautiful long hair and blue eyes that were as beautiful as the sky. Seeing the prince, Yui was out of breath and it was very difficult for her to speak. She was scared. She was very scared.

The servant stepped forward and pulled the chain, causing Yui to fall right in front of the prince's feet.

Seeing the prince looking down on her, Yui quickly stood up and stepped back, which made the servant get angry and kick her, and Yui fell to the ground again.

Servant: You insolent. You are standing in front of the prince. Bow quickly.

Yui, who was lying on the ground, bowed before the prince with fear and trembling, and tried to apologize to him.

Yui: My Highness... I... I'm sorry... I...

Servant: You fool, didn't I tell you not to speak without his permission?

The servant kicked Yui again. This time harder than before, which made Yui's mouth bleed. Yui could barely hold back her tears. Her body was thin and weak, she was injured and she could hardly stand up.

Shu: That's enough. Get out of here quickly.

Servant: Your Highness... I...

Shu: You have done your duty. I am going to decide the fate of this girl. You go out. I know what sentence to give this girl what she deserves.

The servant bowed to the prince and left the room at his command. After the servant left the room, the prince looked at the poor girl lying on the floor, her face covered in dirt and blood, and slowly walked towards her.

Seeing the prince approaching her, Yui tried to stand up and bow to him again. Sobbing, Yui prostrated before him and did not say a word this time. She was just trying not to cry but she couldn't. Even though a hand caressed her head, she trembled with fear. Prince grabbed Yui's chin and lifted her head, forcing her to look him in the eyes.

Shu: Don't cry.

The prince took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the blood that had flowed from Yui's lips. And stroked her head.

Shu: You look very young. how old are you?

Yui: ....

Shu: Hahaha don't worry you can talk. I give you permission.

Yui: I... I... I am 15... years old.

Shu: You are much younger than the one who committed the crime. Tell me, what is your crime? Aren't you the same girl who accepted her father's sin and accepted to be punished instead of him.

Yui tried to defend herself but remembered the words of the servant who told her not to try to ask the prince for forgiveness and that she should accept her crime and guilt.

Yui: I... I... I'm guilty. My father did not do anything, I am guilty. I accept any punishment... but my father is innocent.

The prince could not stop laughing. The innocence of this girl and the fact that she was trying to save her father was very cute and lovely in his opinion. He could imagine what a cruel monster the servant made of him for this girl that this girl is so afraid of him. In any case, he did not like to see this girl like this.

Shu bent down and caressed the girl's cheek gently. Shu's movements were very strange for Yui. Not being able to predict his movements scared her more.

Shu: Hmph... you are very beautiful... so I can give you any order I want. It seems that you are a valuable prey for me and I don't want to miss this chance. So my decision for you is to be my slave. Only mine.

[huis-one-man-show]

WIP#3

ever just re-read the whole WBK series, get the insatiable hunger to read fanfics to carry on your binge, don't find the fics you want, get an idea of the exact fic you want, then stare at your WIP in shame as you open a new WIP?

I feel like I just betrayed myself and the people waiting for an update on my WIP. I promise it's not abandoned ;-; I've just been experiencing perfection paralysis LMAO

anyway, it's a two chapter fic and I've got one chapter basically finished :D here's a sneak peak:

Summary:

The irony isn’t lost on Kotoha as she drags Sakura’s deadweight to the convenience store, that a year after they met— a year after he saves her for the first time —he has once again saved her from a creep. Except this time the stakes are higher, Sakura’s drugged, Kotoha is not in Makochi and whoever roofied Sakura is still after them. (Sakura will be having words with whoever invented drugs.)

Chapter 1:

Her phone rings once and Umemiya picks up her call, “Kotoha what’s up? Why are you calling me at…” she hears shuffling on the other side of the call, “2:30am?”

Keeping her breathing steady, Kotoha leans into Sakura like a clingy girlfriend to hide her phone squished between her head and shoulder. 

“Onii-chan,” Kotoha hears Umemiya inhale sharply at that, and her heart skips a beat when she hears the crinkling of a can rolling behind them. “We’re going to reach the 7/11 near Orion Stars in five minutes please,” she pauses to steady herself when her voice cracks slightly, “come pick us up.”

All she hears on the other end is the sound of wind blowing before Umemiya speaks up again, “us?” It sounds like he’s sprinting.

Looking up into Sakura’s glassy eyes, guilt weighs heavily on her tongue and she manages, “Sakura came to pick me up but I think he got roofied.”

Umemiya swears and Kotoha almost falls over when Sakura suddenly lists to one side gagging. Slinging his hand over her shoulders, she slips her other hand around his back to rub soothing circles.

Her focus on Sakura is the only thing that stops her from flinching when she hears muffled chuckles from down the alley. 

“Do not hang up. I’ll be right there, do you hear me Kotoha?” Kotoha’s heart clenches tightly at the way Umemiya’s voice shakes at her name. She hums in response as Sakura dry heaves into the pavement.

Jamming her phone into her back pocket, Kotoha holds back Sakura’s fringe as he retches again. “I’m so sorry Sakura,” Kotoha whispers at the pained wince on the boy’s face.

Turning to frown, no, squint at her— he can’t see properly her mind shrieks at her —Sakura mumbles some complaint or objection at her apology and presses a hand to his eyes.

“'oto…ha,” she hears him struggle. Not daring to look behind her, Kotoha steels herself and hauls Sakura up to have a better grip on the taller boy. Arms tensing and heart racing, she half-drags half-guides Sakura down the road, momentarily surprised by how light he is.

They need to put some distance between their stalkers and them, now.

[kindauglypikachuicon]

Max leveled Lappland the Unemployed cause she is a babygirl to me. I may not be able to fix her but I will give her a hug and some head pats

[diabolik-art-blog]

Memories of that spring

AO3: Chapter 04

Fanfiction.net: Chapter 04

Summary: Unlike you nobles, we villagers are not heartless and we help people.

It was past midnight. The blizzard had stopped and the stars appeared in the sky. The little boy while sleeping on the straw bed slowly rolled and fell from the bed to the floor.

*Thud*

The sound of his body hitting the hard, wooden floor echoed in the attic. Yuma, who was still half asleep, slowly opened his eyes feeling pain on his back and got up and sat on the floor. He noticed that he had fallen off the bed and patted his back to ease the pain.

Yuma: Ahhh... it hurts.

Yuma, who had just woken up, noticed that Yui was not on the bed. He searched around to find Yui but Yui was not in the room. Yuma sat on the straw bed and looked out the window. The blizzard had stopped, which made Yuma calm down a bit. He thought to himself that Yui might be with her father.

Yuma hurried down the stairs to the fireplace. where the old man is sleeping slowly on his armchair. Yuma carefully checked around the hut, but there was no sign of Yui.

Yui's absence made Yuma worry. He quickly left the hut and went to the old warehouse behind the hut, and seeing that horrible scene, he became more worried. Yuma immediately realized the situation and hurried into the hut to put on some warm clothes and grab a lantern and go to find her.

Yuma glanced at the old man who was still sleeping peacefully. He decided not to wake him up so that the old man would not worry more. Worrying will only make his health worse. Looking at the fire in the fireplace that was getting dimmer by the minute, Yuma hurried outside to find Yui.

*TIMESKIP*

The little boy is sitting on the frozen lake and does not dare to move even a bit. Because the lake may break at any moment and he may drown. The boy who found a little girl was looking at her with pleading eyes.

Shu: Please... I'm begging.... help me.

Yui, who was looking at the little boy in astonishment and asked who he was and how he got out of here, quickly ran away from the lake to find a tall stick and help the boy before the lake broke.

Yui searched around until she found a wooden branch that was long and thick enough to help the boy and save his life.

Yui quickly returned to the lake. The boy who was standing a few meters away from her looked at Yui with tear filled eyes which showed that he was very scared. Without wasting time, Yui extended the branch to him.

Yui: Don't be afraid... just hold this stick tightly and try not to shake it too much.

Shu: How can I not move?

Yui: Just raise your hand. Try not to move your body.

Shu nodded in approval and reached out to grab the stick. The distance was a little too far and it was difficult for him to reach the wood.

Shu: It's too far... I can't.

Yui: Try harder.

Shu stretched his hand towards the wood again when he suddenly realized that the lake was cracking. His eyes widened and he panicked, and every moment he thought his work was over. He started crying again.

Realizing the dangerous situation, Yui stretched out her little hand further and tried to calm the boy and give him hope to try harder.

Yui: Listen to me. You don't need to panic. Try to be calm.

Shu: ..... but... but....

Yui: Don't worry. Just do whatever I say. Be sure that nothing bad will happen.

Shu: What should I do?

Yui: Lie on your stomach and try to slowly move forward until your hand reaches the branch.

Shu was surprised by Yui's words. But he had no choice but to do it. The crack was getting bigger and bigger every moment and it was possible that the lake would break and drown at any moment. Shu did according to Yui's words and lay down on his stomach and crawled forward very slowly. After much effort, his hand finally reached the branch, and as soon as he held the branch firmly in his hand, Yui pulled him out of the lake. Just before the ice of the lake broke, Shu escaped and fell on the snow.

Shu was panting while lying on the snow and trying to keep his composure. He was very scared. And for the first time, he felt that he really needed his mother to calm him down. Until he felt a caress on his head. Shu felt that he no longer needed anyone to comfort him. This caress was enough for him. When he looked carefully, he noticed that the girl who saved him was sitting next to him and caressing him.

Yui very gently caressed the boy she saved. She didn't know if it would help the boy or not. She only knew that he was very scared and needed help.

Yui: Don't worry. You are safe now.

Shu looked at the girl's face. At that moment, when he was in the middle of the lake, he could not see the girl's face well because it was dark, but now he can easily see her. She was very beautiful. He blushed. She was just like the angels and Shu tried to wipe his tears. He didn't want to look weak in front of the girl who saved him.

Shu: Thank you... for saving me.

Yui: Please don't be afraid anymore and be calm.

Just when Shu was calm, the wolf howl was heard. Hearing the sound of wild wolves, Yui immediately realized that they were close and grabbed the boy's hand tightly and helped him up.

Yui: The wolves are close. We must hide together.

Shu: Where?

Yui: Don't panic. There is a cave near here. We go there.

Yui started running while holding the hand of the strange boy and the boy followed behind her. After a few minutes, two children reached the cave and both of them entered the cave and sat by the entrance.

Icicles were hanging from the cave and some of them were dripping. The little boy who was sitting quietly in a corner was looking at the little girl who was restless and constantly moving around the cave.

Shu: What are you doing?

Yui: I have to find firewood. Otherwise, my father and my best friend will freeze from the cold.

Shu was very impressed by the little girl. She was very brave and smart. If it wasn't for her intelligence, Shu would have sunk by now. And although she looked much smaller than Shu, she was apparently very determined and strong. With her young age and small stature, she was thinking of helping her family, which made Shu a little jealous. Shu admired the little girl with a soft smile.

After searching for a few minutes, the little girl finally managed to find a bunch of dry firewood in the cave and screamed happily.

Yui: Hooray... I finally found it. I knew Yuma always kept firewood here for emergencies.

Shu: Who is Yuma?

Yui: He is my best friend. This is our cave. In a way, this is our hiding place.

Shu: Is he your brother?

Yui: Fufu... No. He is not my brother. I have no siblings. But it doesn't matter because I have Yuma and I love him more than anyone else. He is very strong and promised to be my friend and protect me forever.

Hearing Yui's words, he couldn't help but feel jealous. He always wished to have a true friend. Although unlike the little girl, he had a big family and had five brothers, he never felt happy with them. His brothers only hurt and upset him.

While Shu was lost in his thoughts, the little girl lit some firewood to warm themselves and return home after the wolves were gone.

Yui sat next to Shu facing the fire and put her hands forward to warm herself. When she looked at him, she realized that all his clothes were torn and it was clear that he had fallen badly and was injured.

Yui took off her cloak and threw it on the boy's shoulders. The young boy, who did not expect such a move from her, blushed and looked at her with wide eyes. He was stunned. Because she was a very small girl and it was hard for her to bear the cold. But she was so kind and generous that she gave him her warm clothes.

Yui gently ran her hand over the young boy's face and caressed the wound on his cheek.

Yui: Does it hurt?

Shu: No.... not much.

Shu blushed at Yui's actions. But in his heart, he wanted Yui to love him more and more. This is the first time that someone loves him from the bottom of their heart. Even though this little girl doesn't know him yet. All the ladies and girls of the palace complimented him just to get attention, but this girl had real love and kindness and she was giving it all to the young boy. Shu wished that this moment would never end.

Yui: What is your name?

Shu: I... I'm Shu. what is your name?

Yui: Fufu... My name is Yui.

The little girl smiled sweetly at the young boy and continued to caress his cheek. She took out a handkerchief from her pocket and wiped the blood from the young boy's wound and gave him a sweet smile again that was even brighter than the last time. Shu was stunned by the beautiful and cute face of the little girl who was like an angel.

Yui: You are not from our village. Right?

Shu: No, I'm not. But how do you know?

Yui: Well, I know all the people in the village, but I have never met you before.

The two children were engrossed in conversation and looked in each other's innocent eyes in the darkness of the cave until a voice caught their attention.

???: Yui? Yui? Do you hear my voice? You are here?

A light could be seen from outside the cave and a familiar voice could be heard. Hearing his voice, Yui got up and went to the mouth of the cave. The flicker of light was getting closer and closer until it finally reached the cave. The young and tall boy was holding a lantern in his hand and was calling his friend's name.

Yuma approached the cave and saw Yui there, quickly ran to the cave and hugged Yui tightly. So tight that Yui could barely breathe.

Yuma: Thank God you are fine. Yui, I was very worried about you.

Yui also hugged Yuma. Yui's small body was drowned in Yuma's big arms and felt safe and calm. Two children were drowning in each other's arms when the young boy watched them and felt a little jealous.

Yuma: You stupid girl. Why did you come out without telling me? What if the blizzard killed you? What if the wolves attacked you?

Yui: I'm really sorry. But I couldn't let you and papa freeze to death. I had to find firewood.

Shu felt ashamed to hear that Yui only came out for firewood in the dangerous blizzard. He thought about how prosperous his family is and how comfortable their lives are, but the people of the village have to endure such suffering just to warm themselves. Because this blizzard was very dangerous and could kill a girl as young as Yui.

Yuma: How are you? Didn't you get hurt?

Yuma was checking Yui's body to make sure she was unharmed when he noticed a young boy in the cave.

Yuma: Who is that?

Yui: Oh... his name is Shu. He was on the lake and was about to drown. I helped him.

Yuma looked at the young boy sitting by the fire, his face scarred. Yuma notices that he is wearing Yui's cloak. That's why he took off his coat and gave it to Yui to warm her up. Yuma went near the boy and sat next to him, and Yui joined them.

Yuma: Are you hurt?

Shu: Just a little. But I'm fine.

Yuma looked at the boy's torn clothes. Although they were torn, they looked very expensive.

Yuma: You came from the king's palace?

Shu felt ashamed. He didn't want the two children to find out about his true identity because they might change their behavior towards him and Shu didn't like that. He wanted Yui to be friendly with him again. Until he noticed Yui's soft smile.

Yui: Maybe he is one of the nobles who live in the palace. Only nobles wear such expensive clothes.

Shu: Yes... Yes... I am from a noble family.

Yuma: So what are you doing here?

Shu: I ran away.

Yuma and Yui stared at Shu with wide eyes. They could not believe that he had given up his life in the palace and decided to run away.

Yuma: You're so weird.

Yuma stood up and put the remaining firewood on his shoulder and took Yui's hand and lifted her up.

Yuma: Be quick, Yui. We have to go home. Otherwise, your father will worry about us.

Yui: But Yuma, we can't leave Shu-san alone here. He is lost and has no home. We have to help him.

Yuma looked at Yui who was trying to defend the strange boy. Yuma didn't trust the boy because he could never trust nobles, but when he looked at him, he realized that even though he was a noble, he needed help.

Yuma: Okay. Oi you skinny boy. Hurry up and follow us.

Shu: I can come with you?

Yuma: Of course you can. Unlike you nobles, we villagers are not heartless and we help people.

Yui was overjoyed and rushed over to Shu, holding his hand and helping him up. While holding his hand, she went towards Yuma, and Yuma was burning with jealousy when he saw this scene. He immediately grabbed Yui's hand and pulled her towards him.

Yuma: But if you want to come, there is a rule. And that is that you don't have the right to get close to her or touch her. I am the only one who is allowed to hold her hand.

Yui: Yuma? Why?

Yuma: As I said. You have to listen to me, you understand? Because I am now angry with you for coming out of the house without permission. So don't make me more angry.

Yui: Oh... ok...

Yuma: Good. So take my hand now. Oi skinny boy, follow us.

The children started to move and left the cave. Yuma and Yui were walking in front holding each other's hands and Shu was following behind them. Although Yuma was not as kind to him as Yui, Shu still felt friendly towards him. Even though the two children did not know him, they helped him and decided to take him to their home.

Shu felt good and was smiling. For the first time in his life, he found people who love him. Shu wished to never return to the palace and stay with those two kind children forever.

Shu: Hey... Yuma-kun.

Yuma: What?

Shu: Thank you very much for helping me.

Yuma looked at the young boy and realized that he truly thanked him from the bottom of his heart. Something that Yuma never expects from the nobles because he always considered them selfish and arrogant people.

Yuma: Well, you shouldn't thank me. Thank Yui.

Shu: I owe her. She saved my life.

Yui gave the boy a warm smile.

Yui: Don't worry Shu-san. You are safe with us. We will help you.

The children continued to move along the snowy path and went towards the hut.

[pugs-cats-bb-8]

WIP Wednesday

 Ren trudged up the stairs. Three finals in four days and a five-and-half-hour shift each day. "Just one more day". He threw his bag on the floor. His French and English books tumbled out. Coincidentally, those were the two subjects he needed to study.

“When Akechi comes home”. Akechi was better at English than he was. Ren stripped and flopped on the bed. Just a little nap. Then he’d get dinner started.

Morgana yowled and darted across the floor. Left, right, the direction changed by the minute. “Must run, must chase”. Morgana’s tail flicked and he took off upstairs.

The blanket lay twisted at Ren’s feet. He snored and rolled over onto his stomach. 

Morgana ran up onto the bed and over Ren. “Rahw,” he raced back off the bed and out the door. 

Ren lifted his head as the bed dipped but paid it little mind and soon fell back asleep.

“Cute,” Akechi smacked Ren on his ass. “Did you forget to get dressed”? Ren’s naked ass was a welcome sight after a long day.

Ren grunted, “go away, Akechi”. He hugged the pillow closer. Wait, Akechi? Ren opened his eyes to find Akechi staring down at him. “What time is it”? He asked, rubbing his eye.

“19:30,” Akechi shrugged off his shirt, throwing it and Ren’s clothes in the hamper. 

Ren yawned and sat up. “I was going to make dinner”. He rubbed his neck. “Oh yeah, can you help me study for my English final”?

[birgittesilverbae]

… first favourite chapter of the books? 👀

this is probably unhinged of me, but TSR ch 47 The Truth of a Viewing

strong opening with parallels to Mat's tactics post-being-filled-with-men supporting Siuan's leadership qualities

the slow-rising horror for the reader as you realize how much information she has but both you and she know how little she can do with it. within the opening two paragraphs it's a dread that only ratchets up as the chapter carries on.

the hints to what's to come by the end of the chapter, "Three Sitters for three different Ajahs had proposed holding all plans close in the Hall" and thus ensuring that the general population of Aes Sedai would be unaware that Siuan had been (somewhat) transparent

how thoroughly her one safe space is torn away from her, and still she has the wherewithal to ensure she snaps her box of secrets shut.

layering on insult after insult, shielded and forced to watch the invasion of her chambers, the powers she'd always hoped might free her used to bind her instead

the internal monologue consistently downplaying the situation even as her physical reactions are amped up to the max, and still she's the schemer they make her out to be, running her mouth to give herself time to think and seed doubt in Elaida's party

the slip when Elaida reveals that this is personal. "Do you think I - we - would allow you to destroy the Tower?"

dragged out past her dying Warder and still turning immediately to planning. pushed and stumbling but refusing to lose her footing, still fighting not to show Elaida any emotion no matter what she does to her, even twenty years after that "training" bordering on torture. (the indignity she'll shortly feel in this streak having been broken)

the absolute asshole wording that is "Siuan opened her eyes, stirred, winced, and was still."

waking up stilled and immediately reframing her situation [the luxury of knowing she was still breathing]. another indignity in stripping her bare as they have stripped her of the source. unable to grasp saidar but at least she can grasp the physical pain. always always trying to focus herself, to regain control

trying to speedrun acceptance as she confronts becoming rudderless now, trying to face the bastards on her feet. getting knocked down and picking herself up over and over and over again, resilient, relentless

the response to the Tower breaking that Moiraine will mirror to Egwene in that TFOH chapter

plying Min for information and recalculating, recalculating, reframing, parsing all of it into something approaching meaning

kneeling for Elaida, knowing what must be done no matter if it kills her to do it

realising the oaths don't apply anymore and immediately using that as a tool, as a weapon, trying to internalize it as an advantage

it's just everything I adore about Siuan packed into a single chapter that finds her at her lowest point and tilts her head up towards the distant light of the surface.

Even now, after Elaida has stripped so much from her, Siuan is still buried in layer upon layer of ice and rage and purpose, flailing about beneath it all to try and keep her head above water. As long as she repeats it to herself often it will become truth. There are advantages to this, she just has to find them. It's horrendous, but she can't undo it, so she fights to move past it, fights to move forward, fights to hold herself together. She may have lost this battle, but the war has only just begun.

[percontaion-points]

Firstlife chapter 4

Today’s review might be difficult for some; readers discretion is advised. 

Click to see the rest of the snark & image descriptions

Chapter 4

“No! Gross! I’ve never jonesed for his scones.” She shudders. “It’s just...he’ll sleep with you and leave you brokenhearted in the rubble that has become your life.” Bow, who is obviously biased, has probably seen a distorted version of the truth. She’s never seen into Killian’s heart. 

Sweetie, you have literally known the guy for less than 24 hours. Don’t be so quick to dismiss Bow’s warning. 

Yes, the reader knows that Bow and Killian are on opposite sides of this war. But Ten doesn’t know that. 

I’d adored [Madame Pearl]. Once. She was the one who told my parents to send me to Prynne. I’d heard them talking. At first, my dad resisted the idea. When Madame promised him the experience would toughen me up, help me become the person I was meant to be, and snap me out of my pouty teenage refusal to sign with Myriad, he finally relented. Then he convinced my mother. 

Fair warning, but I’m probably going to be working through a lot of anger about organised religions with this book. 

But ah yes! You should 100% listen to a near stranger and send your child to jail so that she can be tortured… Simply because she refused to obey your brainwashing! THEY SOUND LIKE AMAZING PARENTS, I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT!!

Despite that tangibility, we’re forbidden from touching the Shells for any reason. Without being told why!

Ah yes, the cornerstone of organised religion: don’t do something, and don’t ask why you can’t do it!

Nine months have passed since Dr. Vans shot him in the chest.

I don’t know why they bother to continue the war in the afterlife; they’re doing a great job at making every human life as fucking miserable as possible. 

“I’m done with this subject.” I mean it this time.

 “Of course you are.” With an unfeminine grunt, she falls onto her pillow. “You’re a runner.”

The girl has been abused beyond belief. By her parents, by society, by the so-called “doctor” meant to take care of her, by the guards in this prison, by the other inmates…

And Bow is somehow surprised that Ten wants nothing to do with her?

“How old are you?” I find myself asking. 

“Nineteen.” 

ASK HIM HOW LONG HE’S BEEN 19!!

He leads me down the hall, into the commons, just not the commons I’m used to seeing. 

One corner of the room has been transformed. There’s a small candlelit table with two cushioned chairs placed side by side. Platters of food occupy every inch of the tabletop. There’s even a bottle of wine and a chocolate cake. 

I really hope that I don’t have to explain to anybody why the director and guards of a asylum/juvenile detention facility working so hard to set a PATIENT/PRISONER up on this sham of a date is beyond creepy. 

“I’m underage.” Eighteen, the legal age for everything nowadays, can’t get here fast enough. “If I drink any alcohol, I’ll be breaking the law.”

So they have laws about drinking alcohol under a certain age, but not about literally beating and raping CHILDREN?

Nice to know where their priorities stand. 

“Oh, and let’s not forget the time I was waterboarded. So fun!”

Drinking alcohol is bad, but waterboarding a 17 year old because she disobeyed her parents is 100% legal. Good to know where they’re drawing the line. 

“You have freedom. You have freedom right now. You had freedom yesterday, and the day before and the day before that. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, you have freedom of choice. You’re so afraid of making the wrong decision, you’re actually stagnant.”

They have the freedom to choose between A or B, or to be punished. So they literally don’t have freedom at all. 

Real free will would have the option to choose nothing at all.

I flip him off via the camera, continuing down the hall, heading for my cell.

Chapter 4 summary: Dr. Vans is DEMANDING that Ten go on this “date” with Killian, because he’s desperate to see her signed to Myriad (aka what her parents have paid him to do.) A nurse even forces Ten to change into a dress, or go naked. 

Before she goes, Bow starts talking about how terrible Killian is; that he’s a “love em & leave em” kind of guy. Despite Ten insisting that she’s not going to fuck him, Ten will not stop defending him. Bow then asks about Ten’s old boyfriend, who was a guard but he was killed by Dr. Vans 9 months ago. The conversation upsets Ten so much, and she kind of shuts down. 

She goes to meet Killian, who shows her some VR stuff. The excitement of seeing a pretty beach is quickly shut down when she realises that this is yet another Myriad sales pitch. They sit down to eat the dinner, and Ten eats an entire cake by herself. The only thing that Killian brought to drink is wine, so Ten gets a little drunk. 

Dr. Vans is watching them on the security cameras, and he insists that they keep talking about the realms, but when Ten refuses, he insists that they do “trust fall” exercises. Ten then says that since they have to talk about the realms, she’s going to ask him a lot of uncomfortable questions. The kind of questions that religions never want you to ask. This one is about “fusion”, which is basically reincarnation. Another one of those things that nobody can neither confirm nor deny. Since he refuses to talk in depth about that, she instead starts pressing him about his dead mother. 

But then she’s super wasted, and she stops making any sense. So she finally decides to leave, despite Dr. Vans yelling at her over the intercom to not leave. 

[pink-yuri]

♡ A Girl Who Longed to Be a "Hero" Aims to Be a "Hero" Even If She Falls Into Becoming a Vampire ♡